Tag Archives: center line

Comments Off on The Centre Line Part 2: Misconceptions
Posted by Wooden Dummy on June 9, 2000

Last time we looked at the Centreline and found that there were in fact three Centrelines to consider, the Jik Sin (Centre Line), Ji Ng Sin (Meridian Line) and the Centre of Gravity. Now we will look at how Centreline theory is commonly misunderstood.

Someone once made a passing comment about Wing Chun. It went something like, “Wing Chun only blocks attacks that come in along the centreline”. This statement implies that unless your opponent attacks you along the centreline then you will not bother defending yourself against this attack. So for example, if your opponent were to attack you with a hooking, circular punch, then you would not bother to block them. This is of course nonsense. Who will allow someone to hit them just because they attack you in a different way?

Comments Off on The Centre Line Part 1: A Definition?
Posted by Wooden Dummy on April 9, 2000

One of the most important principles in Wing Chun is Centre Line Theory. In essence, this is a simple principle and once understood will help your practice no end. However, to understand Centre Line Theory we must take into account three “different” Centres.

The Centre Line, as can be seen in Fig 1, is the Centre Line which divides the body into two running vertically from the top of the head down through the body. It is this line that Wing Chun emphasises when attack- ing and defending. This line is called Jik Sin. When standing directly opposite your opponent, then your Jik Sins will also face each other. In this case, it is simple to work your line of attack. Fig 2.

Comments Off on The Wing Chun Mind: Learn to Think Like a True Fighter
Posted by Wooden Dummy on September 25, 1991

Many have heard of the wing chun system of martial arts. Most articles deal with the techniques, the chi sao, the forms, the politics, and the variations, but I believe this may be the first article that deals with the wing chun mind. Master Hawkins Cheung, who has taught in Los Angeles since the late 1970s, outlines the concepts of wing chun in combat. An early student of grandmaster Yip Man, Cheung has practiced wing chun for over 30 years. Hawkins was also Bruce Lee’s training partner in the early 1950s and together they explored fighting concepts. Master Cheung stands 5-feet-5 and weighs 105 pounds. He is every inch a skilled fighter and excellent teacher.

Cheung explains the wing chun mind and the “how” and “why” of wing chun. He also explains where many wing chun men are incorrect Cheung states that the principles discussed here could be used by any system of martial arts to be applied in combat, regardless of the tools delivered. He considers stylistic differences, postures, techniques, forms and drills secondary to wing chun’s application in combat. Master Cheung’s advice here is reminiscent of Sun Tzu’s Art of War. He offers practical, straight forward advice on combat, very much like his style of fighting.